Mitt Romney scored early wins on Super Tuesday, as he fought to establish his dominance in the race for the Republican U.S. presidential nomination. But with the key race in Ohio, still too close to call he looks unlikely to score a knockout blow that would force any of his rivals from the contest.
SOUNDBITE: Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney saying:
"Your support really means everything to Ann and me, and I am not going to let you down. I am going to get this nomination."
As expected, he scored wins in Virginia, Vermont and in his home state of Massachusetts
Rival Rick Santorum scored key wins in Oklahoma and Tennessee.
SOUNDBITE: Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum saying:
"Tonight it is clear. We have won races all over this country, against the odds. When they all thought, ok he is finally finished. We keep coming back. "
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, is counting on his Georgia win to help him claw his way back into contention
SOUNDBITE: Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich saying:
"With your help, we are going to go on to Tampa and win the nomination.
In recent presidential campaigns, the Super Tuesday wave of primaries and caucuses has often settled the Republican race. While this year's contests could establish a pecking order, the race is likely to stretch until April or May.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron heads into the summer break faced with falling popularity ratings after tough debates in parliament over labour reform and a public ethics law, a standoff with the military and cuts to housing assistance

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